A few years ago, climate change was considered a topic of conversation only for the so called elite and educated circles. There was a sense of assurance that a naturally rich country like Nepal won't face any impact of climate change. Some knowledgeable individuals would cite an example of early blooming of roses as an impact of climate change. Normal people often argue that if beans didn't bear on time, they would say it was because of climate change. If there was unseasonal rain causing floods, they would blame it on climate change. Whether there was enough evidence for this or not, everyone would confidently assert that climate change was the cause, or they would agree with the opinion without much thought and interactions. We all have heard and noticed such trends.
Initially, it seemed unrealistic, but it turned out to be true. Climate change often considered as climate crisis has now become a major matter of discussion, not only in Nepal but as worldwide. Every year, in response to this issue, Nepali delegations including government officials and activists attend international conferences such as COP 28 to voice the effect of climate change that has already causing significant impact to Nepalese farmers and demanding for compensation due to the loss caused by the climate change.
Impact of Climate Change
Climate change refers to the abnormal increase in temperature and the resulting changes in weather patterns. The extensive use of petroleum products, gas and coal, and the greenhouse gases produced from these, have caused significant changes in the climatic events. If the temperature continues to rise, the Earth will become even hotter, with dire consequences. For instance, this could lead to the melting of the Himalayan glaciers. Countries near the sea could face flooding. African nations could suffer from severe droughts and reduced or failed crop yields could lead to food shortages. Overall, studies have shown that this could bring a crisis to the global economy. Experts have been echoing these concerns.
If we look at the fact, the current temperature has already increased by 1.1 degrees Celsius compared to the 19th century, and it is estimated to rise by three degrees by the end of this century. If this happens, the world will face significant challenges. A report published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in April 2022 indicated that there is a risk of 10 to 15 percent of marine species becoming extinct. Similarly, scientists warn that if we do not act against climate change, around five hundred species could become extinct by the end of this century.
Impact in Nepal
There is no doubt that the devastating Melamchi flood occurred in 2021, which caused significant loss of agriculture, destroy properties and psychosocial impact to people, was an effect of climate change. Similarly, during the first week of October 2021, flooding during Dashain in western Nepal destroyed agricultural products, including nearly ready paddy crop, worth 12 billion Nepalese rupees. The unseasonal flood in Mustang and the disaster in the Kabeli River corridor were also consequences of climate change. Irregular rainfall patterns such as not having rain like before, rain not occurring at the right time, or very little rain, are also being viewed as effects of climate change.
As Nepal has very nominal emission of carbon, even almost nil, the country is not responsible for climate change and its impact to the planet, but our environment has been severely impacted by the activity of rich nations, particularly wealthy and developed ones. The significant changes in regular climate patterns and their serious effects have become prominent issues across the world and us too. Therefore, we must act now and there is a vital role all government can play, in particular the role of local government is also crucial. The local government should not delay in identifying and adopting measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change in their areas adapting various programme on adaptation. Since local governments are the closest to the people and are directly involved in addressing their concerns, they have the power to make a substantial contribution to solving climate change issues and its impact on people.
So, what should be done?
First, each local government should assess the impacts of climate change within its geography. This assessment should be conducted under the leadership of the local government and coordinated with civil society organizations involving experts, citizens, and various stakeholders in an active and meaningful manner. After the assessment, climate change programmes should be designed to contribute to provincial and federal indicators, as well as national and international goals and objectives. Programmes developed through such a participatory process should be included in the policies and programmes of the local government. To further expand these efforts, short-term and long-term plans should be formulated and budget allocations should be made accordingly. Raising awareness at community and making citizen aware about the consequences of climate crisis and adaption and mitigation plan that would start a step against the crisis. The political parties should also take initiative to make the local government accountable.
This is particularly important because almost all political parties have promised in some form, through their election declaration and manifesto to combat against the climate change. Some of these points are merely for show and are not included in the budget or policy programmes. Therefore, it is essential to demonstrate high morale and aspirations by developing and implementing inclusive programmes to address climate change. There should be specific plans to combat climate change, with proper budget allocation and effective implementation plan having a monitoring objective. All laws and plans should consider climate change and create adaptation plans accordingly. This will be a significant start for local governments.
In the current seven-stage planning process of local development, the climate change agenda should be integrated and included at all levels from community to municipal levels. It is important to inform the public about the initiatives that need to be taken by local governments regarding this issue. When allocating the budget, this issue should not be treated as secondary or neglected, it must be ensured that the allocated funds are spent specifically on this agenda and reported publicly.
How Serious are the local government representatives?
Elected representatives and bureaucrats tend to focus mainly on large infrastructure and physical development projects often neglecting the issue of climate change at the local level. There have been no initiatives to make the plans implemented by local governments environmentally and climate friendly. Even though there are possibilities to integrate and consolidate certain projects and programmes, this is not being done. If we do not become serious about this issue, we will not be able to claim that we have done justice to the entire society and future generations. Of course, to the planet.
This question cannot be addressed solely by the efforts of a single mayor, village chief, deputy mayor, or ward chairperson. Even if the problem is shared, it is only through the participation of the majority and common stakeholders, along with citizen engagement, that effective and beneficial results can be achieved. The more citizens involved, the greater the potential for success, although it may require significant dedication from them. Therefore, prior preparation and risk assessment are essential, and listening to the voices of the public is extremely crucial. Relevant and concentrated laws and processes need to be put in place for this purpose, and a citizen assembly could be a significant step forward.
Adaptation Plans for Climate Change through Citizen Assemblies
In the context of climate change, the primary task, which must precede all others, is dialogue with citizens. For initiating such a dialogue effectively, the citizen assembly can be instrumental. Typically, such gatherings tend to attract a diverse group of individuals, but many vulnerable and marginalized families may not participate due to their daily struggles. Families and their members dependent on daily wage labor may not even consider participating in such assemblies. Hence, it is essential to adopt special measures through the citizen assembly process to include such individuals, incorporating their thoughts, experiences and opinions. Consequently, the viewpoints of individuals selected and elected through such assemblies, whether they are more inclined towards practical, realistic or ideological perspectives, can provide invaluable suggestions for addressing societal and climate-related challenges. Educating citizens about the subject matter through experts allows their knowledge and information to be refined and deepened. Doing this need assistance so that the ordinary people can also attend, and they are compensated against their time. This is to ensure they engage and have their say who are free from any -ism or vested interested.
Through presenting climate issues and discussing them extensively, primary solutions can be identified for implementation by municipal or village assemblies. This approach leads to the determination of more participatory and effective plans and programmes. When ordinary citizens embrace ownership of such issues and engage in result-oriented actions, there is no doubt that the pace of change accelerates.
But now, the ability of citizen assemblies to put an end to such behaviours where one's own interests are asserted by undermining others' existence or initiatives, or where individuals from different factions raise valid questions but face obstacles, reflects the prevailing situation the country has to deal with. Citizen assemblies have the capacity to limit such tendencies to a certain extent. Citizen's participation or the people from the bottom of the society will be the key to development. Regarding climate change, what needs to be understood at the local level requires everyone's involvement, even those who have not yet realized its significance. In some localities, this topic remains relatively new and requires further understanding.
Act before it's too late.
We are the first generation to experience the impact and effects of climate change. If we do not take steps to mitigate its effects, it is likely that human existence itself will be at risk. Although the responsibility to address this lies in our hands, how much we suffer and how much future generations will suffer from the effects of climate change is now the key concern. This Earth is not just ours; it belongs to many others. Therefore, let's think about it today, let's do something. This Earth is not only ours, but it belongs to many others as well.
(Shreeram KC is Communications professional in development and humanitarian sector, can be reached at kc.shreeram@gmail.com)
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